GS-1341-11

I. INTRODUCTION

This position is that of a senior Hydrometeorological Technician at the Weather Forecast Office. This position provides a full range of technical support and assistance to WFO shift operations of the WFO. Those activities include: Forecaster assistance, data management and acquisition, and public service and user interaction. The incumbent of this position brings a wealth of technical knowledge and experience that can be acquired only through years of independent service.

II. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Forecasting and shift

1) During an assigned shift, participates in all forecast and service programs assigned to the WFO. Issues scheduled and unscheduled products, and official forecast products for the general public and specialized users in the area of responsibility.

2) Participates in local studies and developmental projects designed to capitalize on or incorporate the benefits of the new scientific and technical capabilities of the WFO operations. Applies this developing body of knowledge and experience to the warning and forecast environment.

3) Participates in fostering improved service through the establishment of relationships with users of special program forecasts or in Focal Point activities as assigned by the MIC.

4) Assists on radar surveillance of the service area using the NEXRAD system. Expands the use of NEXRAD data and products in the daily forecast and warning environment through the application of experience and locally developed studies and techniques. Often works with Senior Meteorologist on a two person shift.

5) Provides weather advice and guidance to the general public, and to agricultural, commercial, transportation and recreational interests. Provides forecasts and weather briefings to press, radio, and television stations. Assures accuracy of NOAA Weather Radio.

Data Management and Analysis

1) Assists the Data Acquisition Program Manager (DAPM) or the Observing Program Leader (OPL) in planning, developing, monitoring, managing, assuring and controlling the quality of numerous mesoscale data sources in the WFO area.

2) Analyzes and evaluates local synoptic scale and mesoscale weather and hydrologic data available from multiple data sources at the WFO while on an operational shift. Based on the incumbent's extensive experience and technical knowledge, and his/her assessment of the current and near-term weather situation, identifies inconsistent or questionable data and independently resolves or corrects such discrepancies.

3) Identifies, recruits, and cultivates sources of corroboration throughout the WFO service area, and obtains the necessary real-time evidence or ground-truth information from those sources to assure the accuracy of data in potential severe weather or flood warning situations. Determines problems and recommends solutions.

4) Conducts field visits assuring and/or certifying the establishment, quality, availability, and adequacy of the cooperative and second order observational programs and instrumentation in the WFO service area.

5) Collects, distributes, quality controls, and processes real-time weather and hydrologic data and observations (including-ASOS and augmentations) from the WFO service area for use by forecasters. Based on years of experience provides analysis and corrective recommendation to Senior Meteorologists or the SOO.

6) Participates in verification studies, storm surveys and other development projects by developing, collecting, and assessing data for ground-truth purposes. Provides analysis and recommendations based on technical knowledge gained from experience.

7) Monitors the NEXRAD Unit Control Position. Activates and uses appropriate diagnostic procedures to ensure the provision of NEXRAD data to associated and non-associated users. Changes the operational NEXRAD system configuration in accordance with the Forecaster.

III. FACTOR LEVELS

Factor 1, KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION FL 1-7, 1250 points

A comprehensive practical knowledge of operational meteorology, as gained by extensive training and experience, to make sound judgments, provide expert technical advice concerning weather situations and help develop new methods related to the new technologies. Knowledge of the principles of hydrology and the hydrologic characteristics of rivers, streams, and drainage basins in the forecast area sufficient to enable incumbent to perform many of the hydrologic service program duties assigned to the WFO.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing in order to prepare technical meteorological and hydrological advisory products and to deal directly with the public and media during periods of stress/emergency.

The incumbent's immediate supervisor is the DAPM or the Meteorologist in Charge when the DAPM position does not exist at the WFO, who provides general oversight concerning the technical products only. Since the incumbent is a senior Met Tech, the technical work is considered accurate and complete. Therefore the DAPM/Meteorologist in Charge monitors only timeliness of work produced.

While performing shift functions, the incumbent works under the guidance of the Senior Forecaster and receives direction pertaining to office operational priorities and emergency courses of action to be taken in severe weather situations. The senior Forecaster is responsible for controlling the work of the shift team and may alter the incumbent's assigned work.

Factor 3. GUIDELINES 3-3, 275 points

Existing guidelines are operational procedures which define matters such as format of forecasts, forecast and warning language which will be universally accepted and understood, conditions for warnings versus advisories. There are also general guidelines concerning the management of the NEXRAD Unit Control Position. General policy guidelines also are found in the Weather Service Operations Manual, Regional directives, and other related NOAA manuals. The incumbent's technical expertise and experience is the primary tool for making the judgements to accomplish the work.

Factor 4. COMPLEXITY 4-3, 150 points

Duties are often performed under rigid deadlines, requiring quick and accurate assessments and decisions on the part of the incumbent. It is often necessary for the incumbent to establish priorities during rapidly developing severe weather situations in order that all users and the public receive the appropriate and timely instructions, interpretations, and information suitable for the situation. The incumbent frequently must switch attentions, based on his/her own understanding of the situation, from data management activities, to public or user interactions, to forecaster assistance functions within minutes of each activity without loss of accuracy or effectiveness.

Factor 5. SCOPE AND EFFECT 5-3, 150 points

The role of the Senior WFO Hydrometeorological Technician is vital to the ability of the WFO and its staff to perform its basic public safety mission. Beyond the normal technical functions the incumbent provides expert advice concerning forecast and warning products. This incumbent's work also effects the work done by the other Meteorological Technicians.

Errors in technical assessment or in communicating critical weather information and interpretations may have a long lasting negative effect on the safety of those served or on their economic well-being until the error is identified and corrected.

Factor 6. PERSONAL CONTACTS 6-3, 60 points

The primary contacts of this position are with the general public, the various media and disseminators of weather information within the WFO area, other interested users, and various Federal, state, and local governmental agencies having interest in or responsibility for weather and weather-related impacts. These contacts are often in a setting which requires the incumbent to react or respond to specific requests for information, interpretation, advisories, or other technical judgments.

Factor 7. PURPOSE OF CONTACTS 7-3, 120 points

The incumbent provides information and technical judgments to the public and other users which are often relied upon by the requesters as a basis for their own actions. The incumbent may be placed in the position of attempting to influence or persuade a user to take a course of action to avoid damage or danger. Further, the incumbent will be called upon to be persuasive in recruiting and maintaining appropriate secondary sources of information.

Factor 8. PHYSICAL DEMANDS 8-1, 5 points

While the work is primarily sedentary in nature, it is normally performed in a rotating shift environment, where weather warning conditions can be quite stressful and extended hours without rest may be required. Additionally, some travel to remote sites is required, and the physical rigors of the installation and routine maintenance of instruments and instrument shelters will also be involved.

Factor 9. WORK ENVIRONMENT 9-1, 5 points

The work is usually performed in an office setting but travel to remote field instrument sites will be required.

This position is non-exempt from coverage under the Fair Labor Standards Act.